Person-Portable Micro-Hydropower System

Proposed is the development of a hydroelectric energy device (HEED) wherein the inherent increasing dynamic response with increasing flow rate is considered an opportunity for increased energy harvest. In order to establish requisite control over the otherwise potentially divergent dynamic response, design and harvest strategies from three previously disconnected research realms will be imposed, including dynamics phenomena, advanced aircraft development strategies, and classic electromagnetic induction. The proposed program, with Phase I deliverables closely matching the N112-147 announcement, is considered high risk, high payoff, but includes in-river testing in Phase I Option to mitigate lead-time risks. It is argued that the resulting HEED significantly expands siting opportunities as compared to existing classic and modern approaches a quality that is requisite to a versatile portable system. Moreover, the proposed HEED is expected to display enhanced performance in flow regimes that have traditionally corresponded to degradation in energy conversion efficiency. In addition, the proposed HEED concept is inherently modular, and therefore expected to be readily adaptable to portability and assembly requirements.